City News

Passengers complain private operators are not following Covid-19 protocols

Bengaluru: As there are limited number of buses running on roads in the state due to the indefinite strike by transport employees, social distancing is not being followed.

Even though the travel department has allowed private buses, taxicabs and others to function even without permits, many commuters complain that they do not check the availability of seats. Private bus staff do not ensure the mandatory mask rule, and are not concerned about social distancing in buses.

They passengers also said that they are not sure if the passenger interface areas like side handles, seats and windows of buses are being sanitised regularly.

Milana Neela tweeted, “Private buses are crowded. Social distancing doesn’t work inside these buses. It’s disappointing to see the state leadership choosing to be ignorant. Pay the KSRTC-BMTC workers now and consider following the 50% occupancy rule.”

Transport department officials stated that they are helpless. An official said, “We are in a catch-22 situation. If we take action against private operators, they won’t run buses. It will inconvenience the public, so we can only advise them for now.” He added that no complains have been registered against private buses for carrying extra passengers or charging extra fare.

As the transport department is conducting inspections only at najor stations, private bus operators are picking commuters from places like KR Puram. They express that they are not getting any profit from these services. A private bus operator on Majestic-Yelahanka route said, “We are not in a position to operate empty buses like BMTC for city services. We are running buses only because the transport department asked us to. Inter-city services are profitable. We cannot operate with 50% capacity since it won’t be enough for fuel expenses.”

There are many commuters who fear that strike may lead to an increase in the number of Covid cases. Anita S, a passenger at Majestic said, “It’s been nearly 10 days since the transport strike started but most private operators are not following social-distancing norms. They say they’ll be under loss if they don’t carry excess passengers. The government should take steps to end the strike, otherwise the number of covid cases will rise.”

According to the sources, the situation in the outskirts of the city is worst as buses are usually filled with passengers commuting to work. There are also complaints from the passengers that they have to wait for long hours at bus stops.

Helath experts are of the view that commuters travelling in packed buses can easily catch Covid-19 symptoms. Karnataka’s Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee stated that transport vehicles should not take in more than the prescribed capacity and must follow Covid protocols.

 

Recent Posts

Top 15 Must-Visit Cafes in Bangalore for Every Coffee Lover

Top 15 Must-Visit Cafes in Bangalore for Every Coffee Lover Bangalore’s coffee culture is a… Read More

1 day ago

14 Perfect Day Trips Within 100 km of Bangalore

If you’re in Bangalore and itching for a short escape, there are plenty of destinations… Read More

3 days ago

Pani Puri Peril: Vendor in Bengaluru Busted for Using Rotten Ingredients

Bangalore: Street food lovers in Bengaluru, beware! A pani puri vendor near Navarang Theatre was… Read More

3 days ago

Where to Escape from Bengaluru This November and December: Top 16 Picks

Winter is the ideal season to explore Karnataka’s beauty, as the weather is cool and… Read More

3 days ago

Cheapest 8 Shopping Streets in Bengaluru: Budget-Friendly Shopping Guide

Explore the 8 cheapest shopping streets in Bengaluru, where you can find affordable fashion, accessories,… Read More

3 days ago

Top 20 Street Food Places in Bangalore You Must Visit

Discover the top 20 street food places in Bangalore, showcasing authentic flavors and must-try dishes… Read More

6 days ago